Are shotgun shells still good after 20 years?

As long as the shells were properly stored and show no sign of corrosion or demonstrate any damage or weakness to the integrity of the shell, they should be fine.

Do old shotgun shells go bad?

It’s just smart policy. Fact is, all modern ammo will last more than 10 years if it’s been stored reasonably well. Ammo companies push a conservative message, likely because they don’t want the liability if it fails to fire (and, hey, they’d like to sell more ammo… fair enough).

Are old shotgun shells worth anything?

Anything to do with shells that are not plastic has some value to collectors. Complete paper shells, solid brass shells, their internal components such as powder and shot wads, even the boxes or original advertising materials are all valuable on the collectors market.

How long can shotgun shells be stored?

Modern, factory-loaded rounds are designed to function reliably in conditions ranging from the arctic to the tropics. Therefore as long as you prevent exposure to extreme heat, high humidity and temperature fluctuations, your ammunition can be expected to last 10 years.

Can plastic shotgun shells be recycled?

If you have more shotgun shells than you could possibly ever recycle, note that most shells are made of plastic that can be recycled.

Are shotgun shells recyclable?

When did they stop making brass shotgun shells?

Starting in about 1877, paper hulls started to replace brass shotgun shells. Paper hulls remained popular for nearly a century, until the late 1960s.

What do you do with old shotgun shells?

If you ever find yourself on a military installation, EOD can destroy the shells for you. Turn them in to a local police agency or just give them to a local police officer. They should still be good to use. Shotgun ammo doesn’t really have an expiration date for all intents.

How safe is it to use old shotgun ammo?

Worst scenario is a small puff and a dirty barrel, best (and most likely) scenario is that it works fine. Ammunition rarely go “bad”. Shotgun ammunition has a little higher risk due to not being completely air-right, and older shells may have a paper wad/shell.

Is it safe to use old shells?

As long as the shells were properly stored and show no sign of corrosion or demonstrate any damage or weakness to the integrity of the shell, they should be fine. I had some old surplus 9mm Makarov from the USSR, a batch that was made in the late 1970s. They all shot fine, except one.

How long do shotgun shells last after being reloaded?

Once that happens, the shell or cartridge cases is worthless and can no longer be used for reloading. A properly reloaded shotgun shell or rifle/pistol cartridge can last on the shelf for several decades the same as a round that came from the factory.